Fund Est. 2006
Incorporated 1997
Real estate professional Sharon Barger was working in subsidized housing in Adams County when she found herself dealing with desperate women, abused by their partners, who needed housing and safe shelter. Recognizing the lack of safe shelter within the Adams County area for abused women, this group incorporated in 1997 – originally as the Adams County Crisis Shelter. It was set up to be a not-for-profit emergency shelter program.
Though Sharon’s experience was prompted by her interaction with the clients in subsidized housing, it was clear to her, this was not her only audience. Safe housing was needed for a growing population.
Unfortunately, that necessity for shelter far outweighed its availability, so when she couldn’t find safe housing for her clients, she got together with her friends and associates with expertise in various areas and the Crisis Shelter was established.
Since 2000, the Crisis Center has been staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year; ensuring that intervention and advocacy is available to victims of domestic abuse at all times.
In 2002, the group officially included Wells County and changed its name to the Adams / Wells Crisis Center (AWCC). Their mission: to create hope in the hearts of victims of domestic violence and assist them in securing their independence.
Over the years, AWCC has added more in - house programming based on clients needs:
• Self- Help
• Budgeting
• Nutrition/ Cooking
• Self Esteem
• Parenting
• Organizing
• House Keeping
AWCC has started a few new programs:
The I.M.P.A.C.T – (I’ll Make Positive, Accountable Choices Thoughtfully”
• An educational domestic violence class which focuses on empowering women to begin to recognize the effects Domestic Violence (DV) has had on every aspect of their lives. This class provides them with the support they may need to begin making positive, accountable choices for their lives beyond the abuse.
• Court Ordered Clients: Recently area judges have begun ordering clients who had a protective order in place but have decided to have it dropped before they will allow them to be dropped they must recieve our outreach services. While at the AWCC, clients are educated on the types of abuse and of what a healthy relationship should / can consist. Clients also sit with an advocate and do a personalized safety plan to help them in the event they’re ever in another abusive situation. Court order clients as well as all out-reach clients are encouraged to continue meetings with an advocate during their difficult situations as well as Support Group at the AWCC.